A VETERAN has opened a new gym, dedicated to helping other ex-service personal’s transition back into civilian life easier.

Alex Berezynskyj, who was medically discharged from service, began his foray into fitness by becoming a personal trainer two-and-a-half years ago.

The entrepreneur’s latest venture, Combat Fuel Fitness Ltd at Basepoint in Portway Industrial Estate, officially opened its doors on Saturday, 10 November.

More than 45 people dropped in throughout the day, including past Test Valley mayor, Councillor Carl Borg-Neal.

Alex is driven to support fellow veterans, especially those struggling with their mental health, in this new endeavour.

He said: “Its OK not to be OK, I know it’s a topic going around, but it’s true.

“Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who understands, and talk without being judged. And even if you don’t want to talk, you can come here for a session - exercise releases endorphins, they can make you feel good. It’s not a complete fix, but it’s a start.

“You help with the hope that you never know, you might just save someone’s life.”

Alex is in talks to arrange opportunities for medically discharged veterans to come to his gym for free.

Alex’s wife Kyrie said: “He’s had his ups and downs due to PTSD, but every time he’s taken a knock back he has come back stronger.

“He wants more people to get away from the stigma that surrounds mental health and wants to help try to keep the statistics down for veterans suicide."

Alex has also previously set up a supplement company called Combat Fuel, that works closely with other veteran-focused companies and donates at least five per cent of every sale to Help For Heroes.